CO shutoff · Dual fuel · 4,500 W

DuroMax XP5500HX review: our full analysis

Brand: DuroMax · Ranked 60th of 174 · Our methodology

7.3/10 Power7.6 Runtime8.1 Noise5.6 Features8.0 Portability5.0 Watts per dollar8.3 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: $500–$800 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key takeaways. The DuroMax XP5500HX pairs a 4,500 W running rating on gasoline with an open-frame design built for raw power, built for jobsites and power tools. It weighs 128.0 lb, is rated at 69 dB(A) and runs about 9 hr at half load on a tank. Notable features: a CO shutoff sensor, electric start, a 240 V transfer-switch outlet.

Not clearly published by the manufacturer, take with caution: noise level.

Pros

  • 4,500 running watts on gasoline and 4,275 on propane, with an L14-30R outlet for 120/240 V loads.
  • Rated 9 hours at 50% load on its 4-gallon tank.
  • CO sensor shutdown, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a 5-year warranty.

Cons

  • 128 lb dry weight: it moves on its wheel kit and takes two people to lift.
  • Only two 5-20R household outlets and no 50 A outlet.
  • Not sold in California (not CARB compliant).

Best for

  • Jobsites and power tools

Specifications

TypeDual fuel (open frame)
Running watts4,500 W gasoline · 4,275 W propane
Starting watts5,500 W gasoline · 5,225 W propane
FuelGasoline, propane
Fuel tank4 gal
Runtime19 hours at 25% load · 9 hr at 50% load
Noise69 dB(A) (manufacturer figure)
Weight128.0 lb
Outlets2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) · L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock · USB ports
Transfer switch readyYes
StartElectric push-button + recoil
CO shutoff sensorYes
Parallel capableNo
EmissionsEPA compliant
Engine210 cc
Warranty5 years
DuroMax XP5500HX4,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check price and availability

Who is it for?

The DuroMax XP5500HX is mostly suited to:

  • Jobsites and power tools.
1

4,500 running watts: what can it power?

The DuroMax XP5500HX delivers 4,500 W continuously and up to 5,500 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 4,275 running watts (5,225 W starting), 5% less. It handles 14 of the 14 loads on our typical list one at a time; add up the running watts of everything you run together, plus the extra starting watts of the biggest motor.

ApplianceRunning / starting wattsWill it run?
Wi-Fi router and modem20 W / 20 W✅ Yes
CPAP (no humidifier)50 W / 50 W✅ Yes
Laptop or TV150 W / 150 W✅ Yes
Full-size refrigerator700 W / 2,200 W✅ Yes
Chest freezer500 W / 1,500 W✅ Yes
Furnace blower (1/2 HP)800 W / 2,350 W✅ Yes
Sump pump (1/2 HP)1,050 W / 2,150 W✅ Yes
Microwave (1,000 W)1,000 W / 1,000 W✅ Yes
Space heater1,500 W / 1,500 W✅ Yes
Window AC (10,000 BTU)1,200 W / 3,600 W✅ Yes
RV roof AC (13,500 BTU)1,800 W / 2,800 W✅ Yes
Circular saw1,400 W / 2,300 W✅ Yes
Well pump (1 HP, 240 V)1,000 W / 4,000 W✅ Yes
Central AC (3-ton, soft start)3,800 W / 5,500 W✅ Yes

Typical figures; check the label of your own appliances. One load at a time: add up everything you run together.

DuroMax XP5500HX4,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price
2

Fuel tank and runtime

The fuel tank holds 4 gallons of gasoline. The manufacturer quotes 19 hours at a quarter load. At half load, it runs about 9 hr on a full tank. That is about 0.44 gallon per hour at half load, or 11 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage. On propane, a standard 20 lb tank holds about 4.7 gallons of LP; propane does not go stale, which makes it the easiest fuel to stock.

Fuel tank4 galgasoline
At 25% load19 hoursmanufacturer figure
At 50% load9 hrmanufacturer figure
Fuel per day≈ 11 gal24 h at half load
3

69 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the DuroMax XP5500HX at 69 dB(A), usually measured at 23 feet (7 m) and a light load. That is a typical open-frame level, comparable to a vacuum cleaner: fine for home backup at 20 feet, loud for a campground.

4

Outlets and home connection

Its panel offers 2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock, USB ports. The L14-30R outlet supplies 120/240 V, which is what a manual transfer switch or an interlock kit with a power inlet box connects to, installed by a licensed electrician. Never backfeed the house through a wall outlet.

5

Starting, safety and warranty

It has electric push-button start, with a recoil cord as backup. A CO shutoff sensor stops the engine if carbon monoxide builds up around it; it does not replace distance (20 feet from the house) and CO alarms indoors. It is listed as EPA compliant; check California availability if you live there. The warranty runs 5 years (residential use).

6

Typical price $500–$800: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the DuroMax XP5500HX scores 8.3/10 on value: a good result. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.

DuroMax XP5500HX4,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price

Our verdict on the DuroMax XP5500HX

The DuroMax XP5500HX scores 7.3/10 and ranks 60th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 4,500 running watts on gasoline and 4,275 on propane, with an L14-30R outlet for 120/240 V loads; rated 9 hours at 50% load on its 4-gallon tank. It is best suited to jobsites and power tools.

DuroMax XP5500HX4,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price

Featured in our rankings

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Will the DuroMax XP5500HX run a refrigerator?

Yes: its 4,500 running watts and 5,500 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.

Can the DuroMax XP5500HX power a house?

It can back up the essentials through a transfer switch or interlock kit connected to its L14-30R outlet.

How long does the DuroMax XP5500HX run on a tank?

About 9 hr at half load according to the manufacturer, and 19 hours at a quarter load.

Does the DuroMax XP5500HX run on propane?

Yes, it is dual fuel: 4,275 running watts on propane.

Is the DuroMax XP5500HX quiet?

The manufacturer rates it at 69 dB(A), typical of an open-frame generator: not campground-quiet.

DuroMax XP5500HX4,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price

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